Cellular Respiration

Anaerobic cellular breathing takes place in the skeleto-muscular system using carbon dioxide rather than oxygen. Lactic acid is produced by this activity during glycogenesis, the absorption of glucose. Anaerobic breathing relates to apana vayu and enhances the lifespan of a cell. Aerobic breathing, by contrast, requires oxygen to maintain metabolism, combustion, and oxidation, and it burns free radicals. Aerobic breathing relates to prana vayu and speeds oxidation and aging.

The rate of respiration is the rate at which prana and apana move at the cellular level. Faster breathing means quicker metabolism and a quicker rate of oxidation and combustion. Slowing the breath slows oxidation, slows metabolism, and extends the span of life by slowing cellular death and destruction. A turtle, with extremely slow breathing, lives far longer than a dog, which breathes quickly.

This is why pranayama is so important. In a transcendental state of meditation, breathing naturally becomes very quiet, and in this state of blissful awareness the body's cells perform anaerobic breathing. A normal healthy respiration rate is about 15 breaths per minute; in smokers it rises to about 25. Yogis practicing pranayama can easily hold prana in the belly for a full minute, allowing inhaled oxygen to be more fully utilized.